Nov. 17, 2010

DAVIS, Calif. - The UC Davis men's basketball team announced Wednesday that JT Adenrele from Oakmont High School in Roseville, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Aggies next fall.

Adenrele, a 6-foot-6 220-pound forward, helped lead Oakmont to an impressive 25-8 overall record during the 2009-10 season. They also finished second place in their division with a 9-3 record and advanced to the section semifinals under head coach Rick Campbell.

"He's a great kid going to a great institution," said Campbell when asked about Adenrele. "He's a great athlete and definitely the kind of kid you want representing your program. His upside is really incredible, he's only going to get better. He's excited and we are really excited for him."

Adenrele averaged 11.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game at Oakmont as a junior. For his play in the 2009-10 season, he was awarded SFL League Honorable Mention. Adenrele also played AAU during the off season from spring through summer, under coach Ernest Taubodo with the E-Times Hoops Academy.

"It's absolutely fantastic that UC Davis has offered JT an opportunity to compete at the collegiate level," said Taubodo. " He's an outstanding student and really an incredible athlete. I really think that JT might be the missing piece for the Aggies to break through at the next level and get to the NCAA tournament."

Adenrele is rated as a top 10 high school recruit in the NorCal district, according to rivals.com. ESPNU also has him rated in the top 100 of all recruits in his position. He is currently ranked the No. 72 power forward in the 2011 recruiting class.

Head coach Gary Stewart is excited to bring Adenrele into the program and believes that he can make significant contributions early on.

"JT brings a combination of size, athleticism and skill that gives him ability to be an impact player," said Stewart. "We must replace some talented student athletes next season and I believe JT will help us do that."

"JT comes from an outstanding family," continued Stewart. "His parents have greatly aided him in his development as a student and as an athlete. He's had outstanding coaching, both at high school and AAU. Coupled with his talent and gifts, that has put him on the path to be a contributer immediately."